Usher without a doubt for almost 20 years has pretty much had the music world on lock. But after a few bit parts in movies like The Faculty and Texas Rangers, Mr. Entertainment is looking to branch out into JHud territory. The singer, who just released his seventh album Looking For Myself on Tuesday has revealed to the UK's Independent that he has indeed landed the part as Sugar Ray Leonard in an upcoming biopic of the legendary boxer's life, which explains why he's been looking more fit than ususl. The film will also star acting heavyweights Robert De Niro and Gael Garcia Bernal.
Read some highlights from the interview below...
On what the appeal of the part was for him...
"It was proper casting," he shrugs. "I was selected. They approached me to do it. And all I had to was consider it."
On his "proper casting" compared to the abilities of De Niro and Bernal ("proper actors"), and whether he is at all intimidated at getting in the ring with them, so to speak...
"Not at all," he says, "not at all. There's a respect for both parties. I've seen Oscar winners come out of left field."
On Oscar winners coming out of left field, and what he believes his chances are with this particular role...
"I'm just saying Jennifer Hudson," comes his reply (it's not a denial), by which he means: Hudson, an American Idol runner-up, won an Oscar for her first-ever film role, in Dreamgirls. "I'm not even saying..." he begins. "You asked me, is it OK to assume that an actor who doesn't have as much skill can't out-act an actor who is well-decorated? And what I'm saying is, if you take a moment to just analyse... No... I'm not intimidated in any way. Because there's a shared passion and respect among all of us, and it's the type of script that will allow all of us to shine."
He added further...
"I don't know if this is the one that would win me an Oscar or not. I'm going into it offering my interpretation and my hard work and my dedication to be the best Sugar Ray ever. Or as good as the man can be. I've spoken to him, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to live up to him. But I'll try to be better than him."
Is it just me or did he sound a bit cocky in the interview? He better work his ass off with an acting coach, because like his looks Usher ain't as hot as he thinks he is. I'm sure his acting skills won't be up to par with "proper actors" who recently did boxing films like Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter or Tom Hardy in Warrior (the latter was more of a mixed martial arts movie but they incorporate boxing so who cares). Or better yet, not even Will Smith in Ali. But as long as he comes into the acting world with some humility and respect like Justin Timberlake when he transitioned into acting, then I'm sure Usher will get the embrace his well-hidden insecure ego allows.
P.S. why do people automatically think taking on a serious part will guarantee them an Oscar? I'm sure the last thing that was on Jennifer Hudson's mind when she got the part in Dreamgirls was that she would win an Academy Award. How about doing a good job first and then worry about awards when they actually announce the nominees. No shade, but I just feel I'm sick of singers like Beyonce, Mary J. Blige (who is playing both Nina Simone and Betty Shabazz) and Usher, who personally speaking are not great dramatic actors are taking all the roles from far more qualified folk who actually paid a lot of money for their SAG card. Everything ain't all about the name attached, and based on the negative responses that I've read on other blogs about Usher playing Sugar Ray I have to agree. Even though I can't stand him, 50 Cent would make a better Sugar Ray than Usher.
In the meantime, let's all watch what he does best and check out the music video for Scream below...
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